Automatic tension control for binding



Jan. 21, 1964 E. J. soucY AUTOMATIC TENSION CONTROL FOR BINDING Filed Aug. 1, 1960 l l ,1 i?! firTokrlEv s United States Fatent 3,118,631 AUTGMATIQ TENSION QGNTRGL FGR BINDING Emil Joseph Saucy, t. Louis, Mo, assign-or to international Shoe Company, St. Louis, Mo a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 1, 1960, Ser. No. 46,519 6 Claims. (Cl. 242-754) The present invention relates generally to the shoemaking industry and is more particularly concerned with automatic tension control in applying bindings to shoe uppers, or the like.

There has long been a need for a device which automatically determines the tension of the binding applied to a major portion of the upper of a shoe. Heretofore, this important step in shoemalc'ng has been determined by the operator with varying success. It is essential in shoemaking that there be a tight relationship with the binding to the top of the shoe along the sides and at the rear and a looser relationship around the throat. There has never been provided a device eifective to achieve this desired relationship of binding to top of the upper.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel mechanism which maintains a uniform predetermined tension for the application of a binding to the top of an upper along sides and rear and which effects a free relationship of the binding for application to the throat of the upper.

in brief, the present invention comprises a support which mounts a stationary disc against which is disposed a roll of binding. A second plate is disposed against the other side of the roll of binding which is rotatable in respect to the stationary disc plate and is adjustable towards and away from said plate for predetermining binding tension. Power operated means is mounted on the support for releasing the predetermined tension and for reinstatin. the same, as desired by the operator.

Another ob ect of the present invention is to provide a novel tension device for shoe upper binding which can be quickly released and reinstated as to the predetermined tension so that there is no delay in applying the binding to the top of the upper of a shoe.

Another object is to provide a novel tension device for shoe upper binding which is readily adjustable in respect to the desired tension which is retained in operative relation in respect to the selected tension.

Another object is to provide a novel tension device for shoe upper binding which is easily operated with minimum instruction, and which can be easily and readily supplied with a l'fifill when a different width binding is required or when the binding roll is exhausted.

ther objects are to provide a novel tension device for shoe upper binding which is of sturdy construction and which performs its intended function with little maintenance, which can be readily installed in conjunction with a shoe line or with an individual operator, which otherwise fulfills the obiects and advantages sought therefor.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are a parent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan View of a tension device tor shoe upper binding incorporating the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view thereof, looking towards one edge of the S-shaped supporting bracket;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view at 90 clockwise t FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view on a reduced scale at 90 counterclockwise of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional View taken on substantially the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1, the

lower element being broken away for conservation of space;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, the lower elements being broken away for conservation of space, illustrating the device in tension release relation;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 77 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the indexing member;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a portion of FIGURE 5, illustrating the relationship of parts in released position; and

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic view of the present device mounted upon a support and including a knee-ac tion normally open switch in the power line.

Referring to the drawing more particularly by reference numerals, 12 indicates generally a tension device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. An S-shaped bracket 14 supports the elements of the tension device 12 and includes a Vertical portion 15, a lower horizontal portion 16, an upper horizontal portion 17, and a depending vertical portion 18.

A disc plate 20 is secured to the upper horizontal portion 17 by suitable nut and bolt assemblies 21. Holes 22 are equally spaced around the periphery of the disc plate 2'9 with which are associated the numbers 1 through 24 as guide means for indicating the tension setting of the device 12. Mounted centrally of the disc plate 29 by means of an integral annular flange 23 is a bearing sleeve 24 which receives the mounting hub 25 of a roll of binding tape as (FIG. 5).

A second disc plate 39 of smaller diameter than the disc plate 2 is mounted adjacent the roll of binding tape as, including a threaded hub 31 engaging a threaded shaft 32. The shaft 32 has a reduced extension 33 integral therewith, or secured thereto, which extends downwardly through the sleeve 24 in bearing relation therewith, and is received in a well 34 within a block Elfin ber 35. An arm 38 is fixed to the upper face of the smaller disc plate 3'9 by suitable rivets, or the like, and extends outwardly therefrom, having an aperture in the free end thereof. Depending from beneath this aperture and secured to the underside of the arm 38 is a sleeve 39 which receives an indexing member 4i having a knurled finger knob 41 and a lower flange 42 (FIG. 8). A compression spring 43 extends between the upper end of the sleeve 39 and the flange 42. Obviously, by pulling upwardly on the finger piece 41, the indexing member 4% may be moved upwardly in the sleeve 39 to effect release from the position of FIGURE 2 and to permit movement of the smaller disc plate 39 in relation to the disc plate 2t? to move the disc plate 36 towards or away from the roll of binding tape 26, as is clear from FIGURE 5.

The reduced extension 33 is maintained in the well 34 against accidental removal by a member 46 having a reduced extension 47 which extends through a horizontal bore 48 in the block 35, the reduced extension 47 having a transverse groove 49 therein. The extension 33 has a similar transverse groove 59 therein (FIGS. 5, 7 and 9). When the parts are in the position of FIGURE 7, the two extensions 33 and 4-7 are locked against removal, and when the parts are in the relationship of FIGURE 9, both extensions 33 and 47 can be removed. The member 46 is maintained against accidental removal and in predetermined position by a retaining pin 51 and a compression spring 52. The member 46 extends between two depending posts '54 secured to the bottom side of the disc plate 29, which maintain the member 46, and therethrough the block 35 and the extension 33 and associated parts, against rotation.

A solenoid 55 having a plunger 56 is mounted on the 3 vertical portion 15 of the bracket 14 by means of suitable nut and bolt assemblies 57. Upon energization of the solenoid 55, the plunger 56 is moved vertically upward. The plunger 56 has a collar 58 secured thereto limiting downward movement and extends into the bottom of the block 35, being connected against removal by a pin 62. Jpon vertical movement upwardly of the plunger 56, the block 35, the extension 33, the shaft 32, and the smaller disc plate 39 are instantly moved verti- Cally upward therewith. This releases the tension on the roll of binding 26, leaving it free. To the lower end of the plunger 56 is secured a member 59, the lower limit of movement of which is illustrated in FIGURE 2, which is determined by the collar 58. A tension spring 69 anchored to an eye member 61 mounted on the horizontal portion 16 of the bracket 14 and connected to the member 59 quickly returns the plunger '55 to its lower position upon the deenergization of the solenoid 55.

A mounting member 6-?- is secured by suitable nut and bolt assemblies 65 to the depending portion 13 of the bracket 14, and includes an apertured lug portion as and a setscrew 67 for mounting the tension device on a rod 63, for example, as is shown in FIGURE 10.

In FIGURE 10 is illustrated a power cord 79 connected into which is a knee switch 7 which is in normally open relation. An operator applying the binding tape 26 to the upper of a shoe can quickly release the tension thereupon by movement of the knee against the switch 71. The predetermined tension can be just as quickly returned by releasing the knee. As is pointed out above, it is desirable to release the tension during application of the binding tape to the throat of the upper of a shoe.

lt is clear from the foregoing description taken with the accompanying drawing that the desired tension can be applied to the roll of binding tape 26 by rotation of the disc plate 349 through manipulation of the indexing member do. it will be noted that the tension is etiected through the tension spring 69, and that, as the arm 33 is rotated clockwise, viewing FEGURE l, the block 35 will be moved upwardly towards the bottom of the disc plate Since the member 59' is stopped in its downward movement in the position shown in FIGURE 2, counterclockwise movement of the lever 38 will effect movement of the disc plate 3% away from the roll of binding tape 26 as soon as the member 59 reaches the position of FEGURE 2.

-t is apparent that there has been provided a tension device for shoe upper binding which provides the tension desired for the work and which eliminates guess work.

It is manifest that the present tension device 12 fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing have been given by way of inustration and example. it is also to be understood that changes in form or the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A tension device for shoe upper binding tape comprising a support, means on said support for receiving and deenergizable by an operator during application'of binding tape to the top of a shoe upper, said solefioid being connected to said second plate for movement there- Cu K '4 of bodily away from said stationary plate and a received roll of binding tape.

2. A tension device for shoe upper binding tape comprising a support, means on said support for receiving for rotation a roll of binding tape including a stationary plate, a second plate movable relative to said stationary plate, said plates being adapted to receive a roll of'binding tape th rebetween, means for moving said second plate towards and away from said stationary plate to increase and decrease, respectively, tension on a received roll of binding tape, said last means including a threaded shaft mounted centrally or said plates against rotation, said second plate including a threaded hub portion received on said threaded shaft, means for rotating said second plate on said threaded shaft to position said second plate closer or further away from said stationary plate, and means for reciprocating said threaded shaft selectively to substantially instantly release a roll of binding tape for free rotation or to place a roll of binding tape under predetermined compression between said stationary plate and said second plate toprovide the desired feeding tension.

3. A tension device for shoe upper binding tape comprising a support, means on said support for receiving for rotation a roll of binding tape including a stationary plate, a second plate movable relative to said stationary plate, said plates being adapted to receive a roll or binding tape therebetween, means for moving said second plate towards and away from said stationary plate to increase and decrease, respectively, tension on a received roll of binding tape, said last means including a threaded shaft mounted centrally of said plates against rotation, said second plate including a threaded hub portion received on said threaded shaft, and means for rotating said second plate on said threaded shaft, said rotation means including an arm secured to said second plate and an indexing member mounted in the free end thereof for reciprocal movement in respect thereto, said stationary plate having an annular series of spaced apertures adapted to receive said indexing member to maintain said second plate in selected position.

4. A tension device for shoe upper binding tape comprising a support, means on said support for receiving for rotation a roll of binding tape including a stationary plate, a second plate movable relative to said stationary plate, said plates beiru adapted to receive a roll of binding tape therebetween, means for moving said second plate towards and away from said stationary plate to increase and decrease, respectively, tension on a received roll of binding tape, said last means including a threaded shaft mounted centrally of said plates against rotation, said second plate including a threaded hub portion received on said threaded shaft, and means for rotating said second plate on said threaded shaft, said rotation means including an arm securedto said second plate and an indexing member mounted in the free end thereof for reciprocal movement in respect thereto, said stationary plate having an annular series of spaced apertures adapted to receive said indexing member to maintain said second plate in selected position, and means for substantially instantly releasing tension on a received roll of binding tape;

5. A tension device for shoe upper binding tape comprising a support, means on said support for receiving for rotation a roll of binding tape including a stationary plate, a second plate movable relative to said stationary plate, said plates being adapted to receive a roll of binding tape therebetween, means for moving said second plate towards and away from said stationary plate to increase and decrease, respectively, tension'on a received roll of binding tape, said last means including a threaded shaft mounted centrally of said plates against rotation,

said second plate including a threaded hub portion received on said threaded shaft, and means for rotating sm'd second plate on said threaded shaft, said rotation means includin. an arm secured to said second plate and an indexing member mounted in the free end thereof for reciprocal movement in respect thereto, said stationary plate having an annular series of spaced apertures adapted to receive said indexing member to maintain said second plate in selected position, and means for substantially instantly releasing tension on a received roll of binding tape, said releasing means comprising a solenoid readily energizable and deenergizable by an operator during application of binding tape to the top of a shoe upper, said solenoid being connected to said second piate for movement thereof bodily away from said stationary plate and a received roll of binding tape.

6. A tension device for shoe upper binding tape comprising a support, means on said support for receiving for rotation a roll of binding tape including a stationary plate, a second plate movable relative to said stationary plate, said plates being adapted to receive a roll of binding tape thereoetween, means for moving said second plate towards and away from said stationary plate to increase and decrease, respectively, tension on a received roll of binding tape, and means for substantially instantly releasing tension on a received roll of binding tape, said releasing means comprising an electrically energized actuator readily energizabie and deenergizable by an operator during application of binding tape to the top of a shoe upper, said electrically energized actuator being connected to said second plate for movement thereof bodily away from said stationary plate and a received roll of binding tape.

References Cite in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 729,658 Von Philp June 2, 1903 1,346,710 Graham May 18, 1920 1,420,894 Green June 20, 1 922. 1,599,244 Perrault et a1 Sept. 7, 1926 2,001,780 Fry May 21, 1935 2,093,354 Fantone et a1 June 4, 1935 2,053,055 Wadd Sept. 1936 2,666,405 Knowlton Jan. 5, 1937 2,465,631 Brnestle Mar. 2 1949 

1. A TENSION DEVICE FOR SHOE UPPER BINDING TAPE COMPRISING A SUPPORT, MEANS ON SAID SUPPORT FOR RECEIVING FOR ROTATION A ROLL OF BINDING TAPE INCLUDING A STATIONARY PLATE, A SECOND PLATE MOVABLE RELATIVE TO SAID STATIONARY PLATE, SAID PLATES BEING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A ROLL OF BINDING TAPE THEREBETWEEN, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID SECOND PLATE TOWARDS AND AWAY FROM SAID STATIONARY PLATE TO INCREASE AND DECREASE, RESPECTIVELY, TENSION ON A RECEIVED ROLL OF BINDING TAPE, AND MEANS FOR SUBSTANTIALLY INSTANTLY RELEASING TENSION ON A RECEIVED ROLL OF BINDING TAPE, SAID RELEASING MEANS COMPRISING A SOLENOID READILY ENERGIZABLE AND DEENERGIZABLE BY AN OPERATOR DURING APPLICATION OF BINDING TAPE TO THE TOP OF A SHOE UPPER, SAID SOLENOID BEING CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND PLATE FOR MOVEMENT THEREOF BODILY AWAY FROM SAID STATIONARY PLATE AND A RECEIVED ROLL OF BINDING TAPE. 